Louisiana House Bill HB119

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/21
• Refer: 3/15/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/22/21
• Engrossed: 4/27/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Report Pass: 5/17/21
• Enrolled: 6/3/21
• Chaptered: 6/21/21
• Passed: 6/21/21

Caption

Provides relative to the Advisory Council on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Impact

The enactment of HB 119 is expected to positively influence state laws by reinforcing the role of HBCUs in Louisiana's higher education landscape. By mandating that the council submits an annual written report to relevant legislative committees, the bill emphasizes accountability and encourages continuous evaluation of the contributions and challenges faced by HBCUs. This legislative tweak aims to ensure that the concerns and suggestions of HBCU students are thoughtfully integrated into the state's educational policies and planning.

Summary

House Bill 119, sponsored by Representative Hughes and Senators Bouie and Harris, aims to amend and reenact existing laws concerning the Advisory Council on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Louisiana. The legislation seeks to enhance the council's composition by allowing for the inclusion of a student body president from a public or private HBCU, ensuring that the perspectives of current students are represented in council deliberations. This change reflects an effort to understand better and address the unique issues that HBCUs face in the state.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding HB 119 appears positive, with broad support indicated by the unanimous House vote of 98-0. The inclusion of a student representative is seen as a step towards greater inclusivity and balances in the council. Stakeholders, including HBCU advocates and educators, likely view this legislation as a constructive move toward enhancing representation and responsiveness within state education systems, which could lead to improved conditions for HBCUs.

Contention

While there is supportive sentiment, there may still be underlying contention regarding how effectively the council can represent the diverse student body across differing HBCUs. Critics may argue that simply adding a student body president does not address the systemic challenges that HBCUs face at a larger level, including funding disparities and structural inequalities in higher education. The discussion points to the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies that engage more than just student perspectives in crafting meaningful reforms.